The short version
- Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the women's semi-finals to reach her fourth straight US Open final.
- The victory extends Sabalenka’s winning streak at the tournament to 19 matches and keeps her on track for a historic three-peat.
- Sabalenka will face either Elena Rybakina or Coco Gauff in the championship match, with the winner potentially joining Chris Evert and Serena Williams as only the third woman to win three straight titles.
Aryna Sabalenka moved within one victory of securing a historic third consecutive US Open title after dispatching Jessica Pegula in straight sets on Thursday night. The top-seeded Belarusian controlled the match from start to finish, winning 7-5, 6-2 in what was described as a display of relentless aggression and high-level precision. This result extends her unbroken winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 19 matches, reinforcing her status as the dominant force on American hard courts during this period.
The match began with a competitive first set that saw both players trading blows in short rallies. Pegula, seeded third, held her own against Sabalenka’s power for the first eight games, keeping the score level and the crowd engaged. However, the momentum shifted decisively late in the opening set. After saving a break point at 4-6 with a sharp forehand winner, Sabalenka broke Pegula’s serve to close out the set in 43 minutes. The turning point came when Sabalenka increased her intensity, forcing errors and hitting winners off second serves that Pegula could not return.
In the second set, Sabalenka maintained her elevated level of play, breaking Pegula twice to secure a comfortable victory. She did not drop a single service game throughout the match and faced only one break point, which she saved early in the contest. Statistical analysis of the match highlights the disparity in offensive output, with Sabalenka recording 29 winners compared to Pegula’s 12. The Belarusian’s ability to dictate play from both wings proved too much for her American opponent, who struggled particularly on her second serve, winning only five of 19 points in that category.
Pegula acknowledged the high quality of Sabalenka’s performance, noting that she played at an insane level and that there was little she could do to counter the aggression. Despite feeling she did not play poorly, Pegula recognized that Sabalenka’s consistency and power were superior on this night. This marks the third consecutive year that Pegula has reached the second week of the tournament only to be eliminated by Sabalenka, continuing a pattern established in their previous encounters at this event.
The significance of Sabalenka’s run extends beyond her personal achievements. Her presence in the final contributes to a rare historical milestone: for the first time since 1975, the top four women’s seeds have reached the semi-finals of the US Open. This is also the first instance at any Grand Slam tournament since Wimbledon in 2009 where the top four seeds advanced to the last four. The rarity of this occurrence underscores the depth and form of the current field, with all top contenders performing at peak levels.
Sabalenka attributed her focused performance to a recent loss to Pegula on grass in Berlin earlier in the summer. She stated that the defeat sharpened her concentration, reminding her that opportunities are limited and requiring sustained attention from start to finish. This mental adjustment appears to have paid dividends, as she executed her game plan with precision and confidence, making decisions that felt correct throughout the match.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka will face either Elena Rybakina or Coco Gauff in the final on Saturday. Her path to a potential three-peat is clear, but the challenge remains significant given the caliber of her remaining opponents. If she wins, she will join an exclusive group that includes Chris Evert and Serena Williams as only the third woman in history to win three straight US Open titles. Her journey to this point has been marked by consistency, having reached the final in each of her past four appearances at the tournament.
The atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric, with nearly 20,000 spectators witnessing the semi-final clash. The crowd’s energy reflected the high stakes and the quality of tennis on display. As Sabalenka prepares for the final, the focus will shift to whether she can maintain her momentum against another top-tier opponent. Her recent form suggests she is in peak condition, but the pressure of chasing history may add a new dimension to the upcoming match.
This tournament has showcased Sabalenka’s evolution as a player, combining power with tactical awareness and mental resilience. Her ability to adapt to different opponents and conditions has been evident throughout her run. The final will test these attributes once more, offering a culmination of a fortnight defined by her dominance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if she can complete the trifecta and cement her legacy at the US Open.
The implications of this result extend beyond the immediate competition. Sabalenka’s continued success reinforces her position as one of the leading players in women’s tennis. Her performance serves as a benchmark for others, highlighting the level required to compete at the highest level. As the tournament concludes, the narrative will focus on whether she can achieve this historic feat and what it means for the future of the sport.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Aryna Sabalenka on brink of US Open trifecta after blitzing Jessica Pegula
